International Psychosocial Organisation

The International Psychosocial Organisation (IPSO) is a humanitarian organization specializing in the areas of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS). Founded in 2008, based on the long-standing work of Inge Missmahl in Afghanistan, IPSO aims to improve the mental health and well-being of people in crisis, conflict, and disaster areas.

IPSO focuses on several core areas:

• Psychosocial Support (MHPSS): The emphasis is on Value Based Counseling (VBC), a method developed by IPSO that is based on self-efficacy and the conscious design of one's own life[3][4].
• Capacity Building and Structure Development: IPSO develops and implements sustainable care structures in the field of psychosocial and mental health care, including the qualification of health professionals and the training of national trainers[3][4].
• Local Communities and Cultural Work: IPSO promotes local culture and socio-cultural dialogues as a means for better understanding among peoples, for peace and reconciliation[2][4].

The mission of IPSO is to create a world where the well-being of every person matters, resilience thrives, and a better future for vulnerable people is within reach. IPSO believes that building and strengthening civil society is a prerequisite for promoting inner peace. The organization advocates for a paradigm shift in psychological health care, centered on self-efficacy and the conscious design of one's own life[1][4].

IPSO pursues several sustainable goals and initiatives:

• Sustainable Infrastructure: IPSO is working on developing sustainable infrastructures for psychosocial care, particularly in Germany and Afghanistan. This includes the establishment of psychosocial counseling centers and the integration of Value Based Counseling into the health system[3][4].
• Culturally Sensitive Approaches: IPSO places great importance on culturally sensitive approaches in psychosocial care to ensure that services meet local needs and cultural values[2][3].
• Research, Monitoring, and Evaluation: IPSO accompanies its projects with comprehensive research, monitoring, and evaluation to ensure the effectiveness of measures and to make continuous improvements[2][3].

IPSO operates in various countries, including Afghanistan, Germany, Haiti, Iraq, and Ukraine. In Afghanistan, for example, IPSO has established the Psychosocial and Mental Health Center in Kabul and integrated Value Based Counseling into the Basic Package of Health Services. In Germany, IPSO supports the integration of refugees through psychosocial counseling and online counseling services[3].

Through its comprehensive efforts and innovative approaches, IPSO significantly contributes to improving mental health and the well-being of people in challenging environments.

• 1 - https://ipsocontext.org/de/ueber-uns/
• 2 - https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/a-0832-8437
• 3 - https://ipsocontext.org/de/was-wir-tun/
• 4 - https://ipsocontext.org/de/
• 5 - https://www.chanceb-gruppe.at/index.php/de/content/download/6863/54526/file